893.102 Kulangsu/220: Telegram
The Consul at Amoy (MacVitty) to the Secretary of State
[Received 6:45 p.m.]
- 1.
- Yesterday the Japanese Consul General made a statement to the
Fukien Daily News of Amoy regarding
the situation at Kulangsu the substance of which is as follows:
[Page 143]
“The Kulangsu question has been in abeyance as it involved the question of the appointment of an inspector of police. Several weeks ago the Japanese intended restoring communication between Kulangsu and the mainland to the condition prior to May 11th, but the circumstances around Amoy have developed entirely to the advantage of the Japanese; now Japan will never lift the blockade even if an inspector is appointed. The blockade is becoming a semipermanent one, this situation is due to the insufficient realization of the new order in east Asia. On July 11 I received a reply from Chairman of the Municipal Council which was couched in the usual language. The Kulangsu authorities are seeking trouble, this is very regrettable for the people. It may be necessary for me as senior consul to call an extraordinary ratepayers meeting and the central Government is carefully examining the Japanese demands to be placed before the meeting.”
- 2.
- Reference is made to my despatch No. 21 to the Embassy and 39 to the Department dated July 1323 regarding the Council’s letter of July 11.24 The letter in question had the unanimous approval of not only the European but Japanese members. In connection with Mr. Uchida’s statement regarding the restoration of conditions which existed prior to May 11 this is the first indication he has given, either the Council or the Consular Body, that such a proposal was being considered.
Sent to Embassy at Chungking. Repeated to the Department, Peiping and Shanghai. Peiping please repeat to Tokyo.